A crisis is looming for the manufacturing industry in the form of a workforce shortage. What used to be a reliable path to stable employment is now seen as an undesirable fallback option. The shortage in manufacturing labor may not be making front page headlines yet, but for those in the manufacturing industry, it is an impending disaster that already has machines sitting idle.

Where Things Stand Now

The latest jobs numbers released in October 2017, show an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. That is below even the natural rate of unemployment of 4.5-5.0 percent. This trend has been extended over quite a long period now, with no unemployment rate over 5 percent since September 2015. In a distinctly small labor pool, finding qualified employees can be quite difficult, especially in manufacturing where unique skills are involved. Attracting workers from other employers is often expensive and time-consuming as well.

Looking to the Future

A leading global economic research organization, the Conference Board, recently released a report forecasting skilled labor shortages to continue for at least the next five years. If this is the case, manufacturers may see dramatic losses in efficiency as machinery is idle for lack of laborers. Retiring baby boomers will also contribute to a loss of skilled labor especially. Longer term, investments in employee development and updating skills will continue to be important issues in the manufacturing industry.

A Glimmer of Hope

Change often comes slowly, especially where large investments in new machinery and equipment are involved. However, the current labor shortages may actually speed up the move toward automation in the industry. Embracing the change now can not only give manufacturers needed efficiency now, it can become a barrier for entry to competitors down the road.

Additionally, a move toward automation could create a change in how the manufacturing industry is perceived, making manufacturing jobs more attractive. Young jobs seekers are increasingly attracted to jobs in technology. By transforming the perception of manufacturing jobs as an area where automation, robotics, and technology are necessary skills, more young people may seek jobs in the industry and help alleviate the global employment scarcity.

If you’re having trouble finding people to perform repetitive, manual tasks, give Axis Engineering Group a call at 419-872-2500. We may be able to help by designing solutions using machine vision and robotics.

Axis Engineering Group, a privately-held electrical engineering firm located in Perrysburg, Ohio providing engineering and system integration services to manufacturing clients throughout the Midwest, recently announced the expansion of their facilities.

“We’ve been in our current location since 2004 and it was time to look for more space,” commented Axis Engineering Group owner, Sean Thomas. “Our electrical engineering business has grown over the last few years, and we expect that growth to continue. The upcoming move and facility improvements will help us to service our clients.”

The $200K expansion and renovation of the building located at 708 W. Boundary St. in Perrysburg, Ohio includes the addition of 1,390 sq. feet to the second floor. The renovation of the more than 4,700 sq. foot facility was completed in 2012.

“The additional space allows us to add capabilities we were not able to perform onsite in the past as well as space for future headcount,” Mr. Thomas stated. “The City of Perrysburg has been good to us. It’s a great place to raise a family and run an electrical engineering business. We looked at a lot of options, but in the end it’s where we wanted to be.”

“We have made it a point to develop partnerships with electronic repair companies who specialize in repair, re-manufacturing and testing of industrial electronic equipment,” commented Axis Engineering Group owner, Sean Thomas. “This new service is a huge relief for our clients who spend countless hours and manpower looking for the correct service provider. Now they don’t have to worry about electronic repair and management. We do it for them.”

When reliable parts and components are totally obsolete and no longer available, Axis Engineering provides complete design-and-build engineering services, providing you with new production lines and equipment.

Thomas continued, “If your part is beyond repair, we will make every effort to find a refurbished or re-manufactured replacement for you. Combine our electronic repair service with our engineering and maintenance support services and we can help you extend the life of aging equipment.’

About Axis Engineering Group, LLC

Based in Perrysburg, Ohio, Axis Engineering Group is a privately-held systems integrator providing engineering, system integration, and industrial electronic repair and management services to manufacturing clients throughout the Midwest. Axis Engineering Group offers integrated, cost-effective solutions aimed at increasing productivity, minimizing waste and increasing returns on investment. Since 1998, Axis Engineering Group has delivered electrical engineering solutions and peace of mind to manufacturing facilities in industries such as: automotive, food and beverage, chemical, plastics, commercial and institutional government. For more information, visit www.axisengineering.com.

Mr. Fox has more than 27 years of experience in the electrical and electronics industries. He recently held the position of account manager and was responsible for maintaining and strengthening relationships with current accounts, as well as new account development.

“Ken’s sound knowledge of the industry, his many years of experience and personality were the main criteria for our decision to hire him,” commented Sean Thomas, Axis Engineering Group owner. “We know him to be an ambitious professional who can quickly contribute to our ongoing growth goals.”

Mr. Fox holds an Associate Degree in sales management and retail marketing and is active in Soccer officiating and the Northwest Ohio Soccer Officials Association.

About Axis Engineering Group, LLC

Based in Perrysburg, Ohio, Axis Engineering Group is a privately-held firm providing engineering, systems integration and industrial electronic repair services to manufacturing clients throughout the Midwest. Since 1998, Axis Engineering has successfully provided engineering solutions and peace of mind to manufacturing facilities in industries such as: automotive, food and beverage, chemical, plastics, commercial and institutional government. For more information, visit www.axisengineering.com.